July Newsletter
Healthy Sisters
By Susanna Rempel, Associate Director
Healthy Sisters has been a part of New City’s work since the summer of 2012. Over the last four years, 14 volunteer drivers have provided 215 rides, friendship and council to over 30 women. Pat, one of our volunteer drivers states that,
“I was interested in volunteering with Healthy Sisters because of my previous experience driving people who were either low-income or disabled, or both, to their appointments as a volunteer for years with Northwest Portland Ministries. As a single person I can appreciate how urgently the women we drive need this assistance and I enjoy doing it because it gives me the opportunity to speak with and listen to the people I'm driving.”
Susan echoes those sentiments saying, “When I first signed up with Healthy Sisters, I was delighted to think there was something I could do to really help struggling women; something within my skill limits. When I got my first call, I was excited, but also wondering what it would be like and how things would go. So I met my ride without problem and we headed off to her appointment. As it turned out, she was a delightful lady with a great sense of humor; someone I would love to have for a friend. When we got to the appointment, she asked me to accompany her as she spoke with the doctor. I realized I was more than "transport" to her, I was a friend at her side. It was a great experience, and I have enjoyed all that have followed.”
This summer and fall we will be expanding our program to work with low-income patients at several clinics around the greater Portland Metro area and are looking for a few more volunteers to support these women in achieving better health. Would you consider being a driver and supporting the health of our Sisters? Here is what is asked of our drivers:- To be available between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday through Friday for rides as most appointments happen during business hours
- To attend a training about Healthy Sisters - our next training date will be…DATE
- To give at least one (1) ride a month…you set the limit on how many more rides you give
- To accept and decline rides based on your availability and boundaries
- To treat our Sisters with respect and compassion
- To follow through on ride requests that you accept or find a replacement driver if you cannot give the ride
- To let New City staff know if your circumstances change and you no longer can give rides
Please contact Susanna Rempel, Associate Director, if you are interested in being a Healthy Sisters driver, [email protected].
Race to End Child Homelessness
By Melissa Bloom, Development & Communication Associate
We are excited and ready for the second annual Race to End Child Homelessness 2016! In most races the only step that matters is the one that crosses the finish line. On Sunday October 30th, New City Initiative will make every step matter. In addition to its 5K run/walk the “Race” will also feature a 0.8-mile family-friendly walk. Why 0.8 miles? This distance consists of over 2,000 steps, one step for each homeless child in Multnomah County. Every step is important because every step is a life. All funds raised will be used for rent support, eviction prevention, and other forms of direct assistance to keep children stable in their housing. Being that it is on Halloween weekend, participants are encouraged to come in costume.
The planning committee is hard at work to put together all the details. Thank you to: Akira Templeton, Cat Sauter, Chris Shade, George Whitfield, Jennifer Bishop, Jose Ibarra, Kyle Bernier, Matthew Morris, Roger Ruchs and Tom Berg.
Join in making an impact today:
Register to walk/run
Sign Up to Volunteer
Make a Donation
Join the Planning Committee